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Pumpkin Patch Learning Academy (Oakland, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Preschools & Daycare > Pumpkin Patch Learning Academy (Oakland, CA)

Note: there is a childcare in Oakland with a similar name: Pumpkin Seed Childcare
April 2012

We are looking to enroll our little one in a Spanish-immersion preschool next year and are looking for recent reviews on Pumpkin Patch Learning Academy (PPLA) in Oakland. We think we have a good idea about the other Spanish-immersion schools in the area (e.g., KISS, Monte Tavor), but would like to hear about experiences with PPLA. Thanks! Planning ahead

Hi There, I can't offer much experience on this preschool. I live one block away and am very interested in more reviews as well. For some reason it seems that it's hard to get any reviews/experience for schools in this area! I'll be curious to hear what others say, though, sadly, I haven't seen any responses yet. I'm planning to visit the school as well. My daughter is 2 and we're looking for a new school when she turns 3. Since she's in a home-based preschool now, I was thinking a more school-like setting would be a good next step, but I really think the Spanish is important, sooo we are considering Pumpkin Patch as well. we've also heard a lot about Monte Tavor and other schools in Berkeley, etc, but many seem so hard to get in to. I can say that the place seem safe and quiet at least from living nearby! Well, good luck. Sorry can't help more! lacking info in ivy hill!
I know this was a question from a rather old newsletter, but I wanted to reply. I have a friend who worked at PPLA and she has only good things to say about the place. When i asked her for info about it, this is what she wrote me in a personal email: ''What is important mostly to PPLA is a proficiency in English/Spanish communication and understanding, both verbally and literally, with lots of energy put towards developing self-help skills, and of course, social-emotional growth as well. I'll give a list of some aspects of the school: 90% Spanish instruction/communication throughout the day; frequent attention to writing and drawing and tuning motor skills with writing and crafting tools; Lots of education through song and dance, mostly in Spanish. (Cynthia (the owner) is a dancer, so she likes to incorporate lots of dance forms, and a good mix of Latino song, in learning; Yoga; Lots of room for imaginative and theatrical play throughout the day; lots of outdoor play, and getting dirty, munching on chard and celery and broccoli; I love the emphasis on habitual expression through the act of painting (in some form. Painting every day, sometimes twice.) The lunch is usually pretty impressive, really healthful, and the kids love it.'' Needless to say, after a glowing review like that from a trusted friend who has been on the ''inside'' of the school for an extended period of time, I am definitely considering sending my son there! Future PPLA family???
Oct 2010

For anyone looking for a spanish immersion preschool, PPLA is amazing! My son just began attending this fall and is already proud of his spanish vocabulary aquisitions! Cynthia, the director is a former bilingual elementary teacher and is amazing! This hidden gem doesn't have a lot of publicity yet so I just wanted to let parents know that if they are seeking an immersion program they should give PPLA a look! Alexandria

Oct 2010

The Pumpkin Patch Learning Academy is a great home-based daycare and preschool East of Lake Merritt. We have been there for 6 months now and my son has done really well. He has made some wonderful friends. It is one of the few Spanish Immersion programs in Oakland. The director really wants active participation from the parents, which was a big draw for me. I also love the art projects that they do, and they have recently added organic garden beds and renovated the outdoor area. The kids are very busy and have fun every day! Drawbacks would be the winter and spring breaks of 2 weeks each, plus lots of holidays - so sometimes I have to get alternate care. -Elise

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